A Salon Star

Author: Sophie Brenton

Published: 1st December 2014

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Sophie Brenton, Manager of The Salon, finally realised her dreams when she graduated this November with a First Class Honours Degree in Fashion Styling from Southampton Solent University. What made it particularly special was that her son, Oliver, also graduated in Computer Games Design the following day.

It made the whole week a family celebration, a continuation from a huge party that Sophie and her family hosted on the 16th of August this year. A quadruple event- Oliver turned 21 that day, 5 days previously Sophie and Mark were delighted to have reached their 25th wedding anniversary, later in the year Pat Thompson (Sophie’s mum and owner of The Salon) was 70, and of course the 2 graduations from 2 generations. How many excuses do you need for a party!!

Fashion Styling is a difficult degree to understand, but once explained becomes clear. Whenever you pick up a magazine with a fashion section, the photographs will have been carefully planned and organized. The fashion stylist decides on the theme, photographer, model, clothes, accessories, location, hair and make-up. The history of fashion, art and imagery are constantly referred to, and, along with innovation, this is the key to a modern fashion image.

As a mature student, Sophie’s biggest challenge was getting to grips with technology, but that became one of her greatest skills - with many of the younger students asking for her help! All of the skills she learned will help with the fashion images that the Salon produces. Keep an eye on The Salon window for future posters featuring The Salons clients, and creative work from The Salon stylists.

Sophie maintains that she “couldn’t possibly have dedicated myself to 3 years of study without the backing and understanding of the stylists and support staff of The Salon, together with the encouragement and flexibility of my loyal clientele.” This support and her hard work certainly paid off, as Sophie received a First Class Degree with Honours. If you would like to see some of Sophie’s work, including the magazine ‘REACH’ that she produced for her final major project please go to http://www.sophiebrenton.co.uk